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Miami: Substance Beyond the Sand



Overview:


Palm trees, sunshine, and sex are just some of the things that come to mind when people think of Miami, Florida. To the outside world, our city is a tropical beachside paradise by day and a playground for exuberance & bad behavior by night. While some of these stereotypes may be true about Miami Beach, the same can’t be said for the entire city of Miami. What inspires me about the Magic City is the substance that can be found beyond the sands of Miami Beach. Neighborhoods like Brickell & Wynwood have hit their stride with booming enterprises & eateries for both locals & visitors. While areas like Little Havana & Little Haiti are starting to experience a cultural renaissance & appreciation that’s been long overdue. Miami may not share the same wild reputation or enthusiasm for pastel colors as her sister across the bay, but she’s always willing to have a great time & reinvent herself along the way.



Where to Dine:


Mandolin Aegean Bistro - Romantic, Aegean Patio, Design District

Versailles - Authentic Cuban, Iconic, Little Havana

Il Gabbiano - Haute Italian, Downtown

Coyo Taco - Tasty Tacos, Wynwood

1-800 Lucky Food Hall - Asian Food Hall, Wynwood


Where to Stay:


Mandarin Oriental - Luxury Hotel, Great Views, Brickell Key

East Hotel - Hip Hotel & Rooftop Bar, Brickell

Life House Little Havana - Latin-inspired Boutique Accommodation

Mr. C Coconut Grove - Luxe Italian Hotel, Coconut Grove

The Biltmore Coral Gables - Old World Meditteranean, Coral Gables


Where to Play:


El Santo - Church-inspired Latin Nightclub

Brickell City Centre - Modern Shopping Mall, Brickell

Wynwood - Street Art Neighborhood, Great Restaurants & Bars

The Wharf - Outdoor Bar/Club/Restaurant, Miami River

Museum Park - Art & Science Museums, Waterfront, Downtown





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Year after year, countless travelers flock south to the tropical paradise of Miami for an over-the-top holiday, where the sun is constantly shining and the mojitos are endlessly flowing. Typically, people tend to plant themselves in the thick of Miami Beach’s South Beach neighborhood for the nightlife and close proximity to the warm coastline. Here is where visitors stroll down the infamous thoroughfare, Ocean Drive, featuring iconic Art Deco architecture and fantastic people watching while obtaining new tan lines at the nearby strip of sand. Although this is a perfectly appropriate way to spend a weekend in Miami Beach, I always recommend that visitors try to leave the island at least once during a visit to the Magic City. The true magic of this city for me is the substance that can be found beyond the shorelines of Miami Beach, the hectic nightclubs, and the touristy restaurants lining Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road. Across Biscayne Bay is another Miami, full of cutting-edge art, dynamic eateries, and the fascinating personalities that bring this magic to the forefront.



(Wynwood Walls)


One of the most visited and celebrated attractions to visit while in Miami is the artistically driven enclave of Wynwood. Located just a few miles north of the downtown core, Wynwood is an area that’s synonymous with cool street art, dynamic restaurants, unique stores, and some of the liveliest bars in town. This neighborhood has experienced an explosive reintroduction to the city over the course of the last 10 years thanks in part to real estate tycoon, Tony Goldman; the same person who was responsible for breathing new life into New York City’s Soho and Philadelphia’s 13th Street. His vision was to bring new life to once dilapidated warehouses by painting their exteriors with colorful graffiti art, starting with what is now the ever-popular urban park, Wynwood Walls. Whether you’re in the mood for a loud, Latin party on a Sunday at El Patio Bar or a romantic and relaxing evening at the Aegean-inspired rooftop, Astra; Wynwood’s dining and drinking scene offers something for everyone. One of my favorite establishments that cater to both diners and day/night drinkers alike is the immersive Asian food hall known as 1-800-Lucky. What makes Miami’s first-ever food hall (1-800) so special is how they manage to have an around-the-clock following between their store selling imported goods, several dining stations ranging from sushi to Vietnamese sandwiches and dumplings to poke, as well as the larger-than-life patio that turns into a dance floor late at night. In between seeing all the street art, I highly recommend coming here for a Lucky Buddha Beer and a round of exquisite dumplings.



(1-800-Lucky, Wynwood)


If you’re a big spender and in the mood to drop several digits on the latest fashions or you’re an enthusiast for modern architecture, just a mile north of Wynwood is Miami’s own version of Beverly Hills, otherwise known as the Design District. The Miami Design District was a place known exclusively for having high-end home design showrooms. Nowadays, the area has expanded this definition to encompass all things high-end, including home furnishings, retail, and dining. The usual designer suspects have flagship stores here from Dior to Hermès & Givenchy to Saint Laurent. For the creative minds, one can head over to the Institute of Contemporary Art, a museum that’s free to the public showcasing great works from artists across the Americas. In between the art, architecture, and heavy-duty shopping, one can find themselves in near proximity to some of the city’s of-the-moment hot spots for dining and drinking. Restaurants like Ember, Le Jardinier, and L’Atelier have recently opened, elevating the neighborhood’s culinary status as a district known for haute cuisine. However, if you’re an Instagram “It Girl” looking to spice up your social media feed whilst likely rubbing elbows with a celebrity, then head over to Swan. This romantic, pastel pink dining space is the culinary child of Miami’s hospitality king, David Grutman and Grammy-winning artist, Pharrell Williams. My personal favorites for restaurants in the Design District are more casual than their luxurious neighbors, St. Roch Market, a relaxed food hall serving 11 dining options and Mandolin, an Aegean patio serving the best of Greek & Turkish cuisines are my go-to choices.



(Miami Design District)


Just west of the city’s urban core is another area that’s quickly on the rise to becoming one of Miami’s most popular, the Miami River District. The Miami River was historically nothing more than a working river for small vessels navigating the 5.5-mile waterway. Today, the area has become prime real estate in the eyes of many developers wanting to bring soaring condo structures and a new mall, which will greatly serve the direct and neighboring inhabitants. Why I’m interested in this area right now is because the district is still in the early phases of transformation. Seafood staples to the city, Garcia’s and Casablanca have remained steadfast as river-front mainstays, serving no-frills and great quality. While just up the street are two neighboring hot spots, Seaspice & Kiki on the River. Here is where one can have a club-like dining experience overlooking the Miami River and possibly have an ex-Real Housewives sighting or two in between cocktails. My favorite establishment from this neighborhood though has several key ingredients that make it unique: Bar + Club + Food Hall + Park = The Wharf. The Wharf is an outdoor, adult playground, where on the weekends, people flock to enjoy the reasonably priced drinks, fun music, and great atmosphere near the water, whether under the sun or stars. Additionally, this Miami hotspot has several container pods that are converted into kitchens providing patrons with pizza, gourmet donuts, or local stone crabs.



(The Wharf)


Down the road and around the corner from the Miami River is probably one of my favorite areas of the entire city and has a special space in my heart, Little Havana. This neighborhood shares the same story as other immigrant neighborhoods around the country, inexpensive rents and a sense of community bonded Cuban exiles together in this foreign land when arriving in the city. Over time, the area grew and prospered, now demonstrating the hard work and perseverance of the Cuban culture and people through thriving enterprises lining the famous road, Calle Ocho or 8th street. Ground zero for the area is the world-famous Cuban restaurant, Versailles. Modeled after the Hall of Mirrors in the famous château of the same name in France, Miami’s Versailles serves classic Cuban fare that both locals and visitors enjoy. At their outdoor coffee window, one can find patrons debating politics from the island’s past and present while sipping on an explosive cafe or eating a guava pastry. Just down the street, one can get there dose of culture by walking down the Walk of Fame where prominent figures in Hispanic history are represented with a star. Domino Park is located next to the famous walkway, where locals of all ages come to play this popular game. Across the street from this park is one of the shining stars of Little Havana, the restaurant, bar, and live-music venue, the ever-popular Ball & Chain. After tossing back several expertly made mojitos and salsa dancing through the restaurant, my recommendation is to either end the night at the new club, El Santo or the Mexican speakeasy, Los Altos. Situated in the geographic heart of the neighborhood, El Santo’s nightclub has taken Day of the Dead meets church paraphernalia to the next level. This spot features church candles, Madonna statues, and ornate crucifixes. Visually speaking, this club is beyond stunning and their lively atmosphere matches the space’s personality perfectly. On the other side of the spectrum, head several blocks east where you have to enter through a Mexican candy shop in order to reach this seductive, boudoir-inspired speakeasy. Great cocktails paired with all the Latin hits under deep red lighting creates for a truly unique Little Havana experience at this hotspot.



(Calle Ocho, Little Havana)


Miami, a place once known for exuding confidence and importing cocaine has blossomed into a city of rich culture and sophistication beyond the shores of Miami Beach. The last decade, in particular, has seen the rise and renaissance of several neighborhoods from Wynwood and the Design District to the River District and Little Havana. Art and food are the tools of choice for this cultural movement which has propelled Miami into a world-class destination. I’m fortunate to say the city I call home has truly taken advantage of its nickname and brought magic back to the mainland.



(Seaspice)

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